Cutoffs Can Be Chic

Oh yes, we absolutely can.

Wear shorts, that is.

I begin my post with a sense of utter outrage.

In the process of conducting due diligence and research to write this, I came across multitudes of so-called style experts dishing out the most ridiculous of counsel to women on whether cutoffs (or the entire spectrum of shorts, for that matter) were age-appropriate.

If it weren’t for the fact that I’d just taken my Bystolic (and that I’m physically drained from a very exhausting weekend of work + play, with the last vestiges of jet lag thrown in for good measure), I suspect I’d have suffered a fit right then and there.  Or, at the very least, hurled verbal abuses at said culprits vis-à-vis the sanctity of my home office which would, in truth, serve no higher purpose save to leave me with the cringey task of wiping smatterings of spit from my laptop screen.

O U T R A G E D ,    I    T E L L    Y O U

First of all, anyone who specialises in what’s called “mum style” instantly raises the red flag where I’m concerned.  As it is with (that ridiculous notion of) dressing for one’s age, what on earth does “mum style” even mean?

Special mention must be made of this particular website wherein cutoffs are to be frowned upon because (1) we look like we’re trying too hard; (2) shorts are meant only for PYTs with great bodies; and (3) we can’t possibly have nice legs at “our age” so no, we should never wear those things called shorts.  Yes, those evil concoctions which when chosen carefully, reveal and showcase those pins in the most flattering of circumstances.  Oh no, heaven forbid that should happen because, you know, once a woman turns 40, she’s expected to crawl quietly into the dark abyss of no-style-land to shrivel into obscurity, and fade away.  And not look amazing in anything remotely stylish or form-revealing.

Rant over.

Ish.

G  A  H  !  !  !

I am irked.

Can you tell how irked I am?

For as long as women continue to dish out this nonsensical words, other women will keep thinking of their counsel as gospel, and thus does the vicious cycle continue.

We must put an end to this mentality, and do away with the thought process which likens ageing to decrepitating (puhlease).  Age is truly nothing more than a duo of numbers.  And numbers are merely mathematical objects, used to count and measure.  Unfortunately, society has expanded their use to also label.  Classify.  Designate.  Stamp.

In other words, a label has been placed on how old a woman is, equating it with her self-worth, appeal quotient, her value.

When in truth, every single scar, every single stretch mark, every single imperfection bears witness to everything she has been through to become the woman she is today.  A strong, proud, beautiful woman.  One that should be fiercely celebrated and loved.

As July emerged on the horizon, and it came to Annie to select our monthly theme, I knew with dead certainty that she’d pick cutoffs (I swear, I did Annie!!).  After all, she practically lives in them all year round in Hong Kong, owns the largest wardrobe of shorts (and sneakers) I’ve ever known for one person to have, and looks killer in every single pair.

With that knowledge in mind, I’d begun mentally assembling my look even before I went away to Borneo.  I was fully aware I wanted a blend of couture with high street.

Something immensely melodramatic on top, with something ripped and distressed below, to create a perfectly contrasting, off-kilter look.

I hope to have accomplished that here today.

I’d like to imagine this particular ensemble walking loud and proud in front of press and spectators alike at the VMAs, appreciated by all age groups and sartorial genres for its singular visual impact.  Those bold stripes placed so carefully and artfully make for a graphic statement (with enough room to chow down upon the sumptuous meal that is certainly in store for all VMA attendees).  And that Daisy Duke-esque pair of cutoffs looks simultaneously youthful and romantic, calling attention to legs which have traversed many a mile, and walked through countless adventures.  And lived to tell the tale.

It photographs beautifully, this outfit does.

Props, Suzy, for wearing two cutoff pieces 🙂 and dowdy is certainly not a word I’ve EVER use to describe you!!!  There is a definite grunge vibe here, and I’m loving it. Casting a heart eye emoji on that Desigual backpack too.

Jennie, A Pocketful Of Polka Dots

Now this is the perfect case study for a bohemian vibe, wouldn’t you agree?  Lace and crochet going head on with denim and dark leather.  Delicious.  I don’t know how she does it but Jennie always manages to make everything look easy and effortless.

Top (Poshmark ) | Cutoffs (Blank NYC sold out, preloved here) | Sunnies (Chanel)

Happy Monday, everyone!!  As I write this, I’ve been back precisely a week from a month long vacation in Borneo, and am still suffering from jet lag which is really annoying but worth it to be able to see my family 🙂 I hope everyone has a decent start to a new Monday.

KISSES!!!

Love, Sheela

p/s I link up here.